Nicotiana; Or, The Smoker's and Snuff-Taker's CompanionMeller, Henry James
History
Nicotiana; Or, The Smoker's and Snuff-Taker's Companion
Meller, Henry James
Smoking; Tobacco -- Anecdotes; Tobacco -- History
_Tabacum Minimum_ (Gen. Em. 358.) appears to be another species, hitherto
unsettled, with a branched leafy stem, a span high; leaves ovate on
footstalks, opposite; and stalked acute, greenish-yellow flowers. The N.
minima of Molina (Poir. in Lum. Diet. iv. 481.), is probably another
species, or perhaps the same.
Culture.--Tobacco thrives best in a warm, kindly rich soil, that is not
subject to be over-run with weeds. In Virginia, the soil in which it
thrives best is warm, light, and inclining to be sandy; and, therefore, if
the plant is to be cultivated in Britain, it ought to be planted in a soil
as nearly of the same kind as possible. Other kinds of soil might probably
be brought to suit it, by a surface of proper manure; but we must
remember, whatever manure is made use of, must be thoroughly incorporated
with the soil. The best situation for a tobacco plantation is the southern
declivity of a hill, rather gradual than abrupt, or a spot that is
sheltered from the north winds: but at the same time it is necessary that
the plants enjoy a free air; for without this they will not prosper.
As tobacco is an annual plant, those who intend to cultivate it ought to
be as careful as possible in the choice of the seeds; in which, however,
with all their care, they may sometimes be deceived. The seed should be
sown in the middle of April, or rather sooner in a forward season, in a
bed prepared for this purpose, of such soil that has been already
described, mixed with some warm rich manure. In a cold spring, hot beds
are most eligible for that purpose; and gardeners imagine that they are
always necessary: but Mr. Carver[22] tells us, that he is convinced, when
the weather is not very severe, the tobacco seeds may be raised
without-doors: and for this purpose gives us the following directions:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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